Super Mario Galaxy Movie Debut Unveiled in Nintendo Direct

Lead: Nintendo and Illumination today revealed The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, set for April 3, 2026 in the U.S. (April 24 in Japan), during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct presentation.

Nut Graf: Building on the record-shattering success of the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie, this space-themed sequel revives the beloved Galaxy games’ characters and mechanics, promising to expand the Mario cinematic universe and capitalize on the franchise’s 40th anniversary relevance.

Key Details

  • Title & Premiere Dates:
    • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie debuts April 3, 2026 in the U.S. and globally, with Japan receiving the film on April 24, 2026.
  • Voice Cast:
    • Returning stars include Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad) and Kevin Michael Richardson (Kamek).
  • Teaser Reveal:
    • A brief teaser showcased a sleeping Mario drifting over the Mushroom Kingdom before the film’s logo appeared, hinting at space-bound adventures and iconic Galaxy elements like Lumas.

What to Expect

Nintendo and Illumination are drawing inspiration directly from the Super Mario Galaxy games’ planetoid-hopping and gravity mechanics. While plot specifics remain under wraps, fans anticipate encounters with Rosalina and other interstellar locales that defined the Wii classics.

Background & Significance

The first Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, cementing video game adaptations as box-office powerhouses. This sequel leverages that momentum and aligns with Mario’s 40th anniversary celebrations, marking a strategic franchise milestone.

  • The Galaxy series, launched in 2007, introduced space exploration and Rosalina’s lore, elements now poised for cinematic adaptation.
  • Universal Pictures and Nintendo co-finance and distribute the film, continuing their successful collaboration with producer Chris Meledandri and director duo Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.

Looking Ahead

Additional cast announcements and extended trailers are expected in the coming months as marketing ramps up toward next spring’s release. Fans should also anticipate cross-promotional events tied to Nintendo’s 40th anniversary festivities, including game re-releases on Switch platforms.